NEW YORK — CSEA members who were at Ground Zero — whether for work, first responders or volunteers — are among the thousands who have used resources available through the federally funded World Trade Center Health Program, which has often become mired in politics in the 25 years since our nation’s pledge to “never forget” the heroes impacted by the 9/11 attacks.
Thanks to strong advocacy on behalf of survivors and first responders, cuts initially made to WTC Health Program funding were largely restored.
Our union’s Occupational Safety and Health Department has worked since the attacks to connect CSEA members with available resources for health monitoring, statistical tracking and overall support. Sadly, CSEA members who were at Ground Zero have suffered from 9/11-related illnesses, with some succumbing after protracted battles against these diseases.
“Our union’s Occupational Safety and Health Department has been vital to helping our union members who worked or lived near the World Trade Center or responded in our country’s time of need get the health care and services they need,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “CSEA will continue to advocate for funding for treatment and monitoring, as we can never forget.”
CSEA members responded in a professional capacity from agencies, including the state Department of Transportation, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Mental Health and Department of Environmental Conservation, among others.
Local government workers doing similar work responded as well. There was also a robust response from CSEA members who volunteer in their communities through fire departments and emergency medical services agencies.
CSEA has maintained a strong relationship with the Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, a major Clinical Center of Excellence under the WTC Health Program that offers free monitoring and treatment for first responders and volunteers. With a main location in Manhattan and satellite centers in the New York City suburbs, Selikoff’s proactive outreach to 9/11 responders has helped generate greater participation in health screenings, allowing doctors to identify issues that might otherwise have gone undetected until they had progressed.
Our union has amplified outreach from Selikoff to help ensure CSEA members and their families who responded to Ground Zero are enrolled in monitoring and receiving yearly exams.
Currently, CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Jane Meunier-Gorman and CSEA Epidemiologist Jeanette Zoeckler maintain active ties with Selikoff, taking part in the center’s ongoing educational offerings to stay informed about the impact of contaminants from Ground Zero and research connected to 9/11-related illnesses.
CSEA members who responded on 9/11 but have not connected with our union for assistance — whether they were there for work or as volunteers — are encouraged to contact their region’s occupational safety and health specialist if they need assistance.
— Jessica Ladlee